Radio Frequency Identification (rfid) Test Information Control and Tracking System

1. An automated clinical test system comprising: a) a test cartridge for use in conducting automated clinical testing including a test medium and an RFID device preprogrammed with information relating to the test including data for modifying the performance of the test during the test; b) an analytical detection device including an RFID transceiver adapted to transfer data to and from the RFID device and coupled to test detection instrumentation adapted to analyze the test medium responsive to the information relating to the test using a multiple step analytical test, and adapted to modify or adjust the performance of the test during the test based upon the preprogrammed information in the RFID device.

2. The test system of claim 1 wherein a plurality of RFID devices are incorporated in the test cartridge to enable incorporation of multiple tests on the cartridge and enable writing of results of different tests to a different RFID device.

3. The test system of claim 1 wherein the RFID device includes preprogrammed service and maintenance information.

4. The test system of claim 1 wherein the test cartridge includes test selection data to permit selection of one of a plurality of tests to be performed on the test cartridge.

5. The test system of claim 1 wherein the information related to the test includes at least calibration information.

6. The test system of claim 1 wherein the test is flagged based upon expiration data.

7. The test system of claim 1 wherein at least some encrypted test result data is programmed on to the RFID device.

8. The test system of claim 1 wherein the information relating to the test is variable instrument control data.

9. The test system of claim 1 wherein the RFID device is adapted to receive and store data to document completion of critical processes of the test.

10. A method for conducting an analytical test using an analytical instrument comprising: exposing a test medium to a sample to be tested, the test medium having an RFID device associated therewith; reading data for controlling conduct of test analysis of the test medium from the RFID device; controlling the conduct of the test based upon the data by at least one of changing at least one step of the test analysis, and adjusting or modifying the analytical instrument during the test; and writing the results of the test onto the RFID device.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising flagging the test based upon expiration data.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of controlling comprises at least one of: re-calibrating before testing using calibration data from the RFID device, and determining test results based upon baseline correction data from the RFID.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising programming encrypted test result data into the RFID device.

14. The method of claim 10 further comprising preprogramming baseline correction data into the RFID device and performing a baseline correction of the test.